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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist architecture. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving this impressive building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The gardens filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista of Nice. The cemetery there contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly soaked up generations of faith. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring stunning stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, luminous interior of welcome that challenges simple labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace during a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.